CM8001

Cloning is the process of producing similar populations of genetically identical individuals with the desired traits. Cloned animals are known for their shorter lifespans, and are more prone to sicknesses as it damages the genetic code. For example, Dolly (a cloned sheep) was put to sleep in February 2003 at age of seven, which is half of the normal life span as it suffered from arthritis and degenerative lung diseases.

Pros:
1. Able to have more nutritional benefits, preventing malnutrition during the drought.
2. It can be genetically modified to stay fresher for a longer time, allowing food supply to last longer in times of drought.
Cons:
1. It may trigger allergy in humans. Since it is inserting a gene from another food/plant, it could cause the host organism to express that trait. For eg, the herbicide resistant trait of soy could be inserted to another plant, as a result, there may be a chance of allergens in the host organism, and may be lethal to those allergic to soy.
2. The ecosystem may be harmed as the GM crop become increasingly pest resistant. It may pollinate elsewhere, leading to loss of biodiversity of species. It may also contaminate the genetics of other plant species, such as the superweed, which are weeds that have “evolved” to withstand conventional herbicides, and requires stronger herbicides to be used to remove it.

We accept the aid. In the short run, it is important to feed the population during the drought. However, in the long run, it is not as sustainable as it may affect the health of people and the biodiversity. As more research is done, and the disadvantages is eliminated, it may be sustainable to use GM foods.